RESPECT - INTEGRITY - COMPASSION

Introduction

Please find our latest updates on activities within our school. These will be shorter than a termly newsletter, but hopefully more timely given the changing environment in which we find ourselves at this time.

If there is more specific information or clarification required please do not hesitate to contact the relevant year head for your child.

Please stay safe and take care.

Kind regards: Mr Black (Headteacher)

Health and Safety

Just a short reminder of some of the issues and processes to support our return to school.

• Pupils are being asked to come into the school in year groups to support the flow and enable access to hand sanitisers. They are currently going directly to their period 1 class due to the time restrictions in doing this.
• We are asking for all pupils to remain on campus over the lunch break for the well-being of everyone within our school campus. For any pupil entitled to a free school meal, a grab bag is available.
• No parents or carers should be accessing our main car park at the start and end of the day to ensure staff can safely access and leave their place of work and to prevent our young people being endangered in moving traffic. We understand the limited space for pick up and drop off, but we would ask all parents and carers to plan for this.
• Pupils must only use the pathways in and out of the campus as directed by staff at the end of the day.

The wellbeing of all young people and staff is our central focus as we return to school. There are important actions that everyone can take to support this, anyone who,

• has the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) - a new persistent cough, fever, loss of sense of smell and / or taste - should STAY AT HOME and arrange for coronavirus testing;
• is living with someone who has coronavirus symptoms should stay at home and follow the guidance;
• has returned (or come) to Scotland from a country which is not exempt from the UK quarantine rules, should stay at home following the guidance.

Physical Education

At present the Scottish Government guidance prevents schools from accessing the full PE facilities we have available. Therefore, as a school we have identified 2 priorities. Firstly, our young people who are studying physical education for a qualification this year and secondly the well-being of all of our young people.

Until we receive further guidance and permissions pupils will be given the opportunity to use their core PE time to be outside and to take a break from classroom activities. For pupils studying physical education this year a very limited curriculum will continue to support preparations for next years examinations. All pupils will be informed by their class teacher on what to expect and do when in PE over the next few weeks.

School Calendar

Our new school calendar is complete and we are going through the final checks before putting it onto our school app. Please be aware that there may be changes given the current or possible future restrictions. Due to the uncertainty regarding restrictions and future permissions the calendar will run as normal and we will adapt where some activities can't take place.

SQA

The SQA is currently consulting all schools regarding next years examination diet. We have responded and expect to hear by the end of August what the new arrangements will be. When we have the full information staff will adjust and plan accordingly to support our senior pupils in preparing for their examinations.

Our Top Team for 2020 - 2021

Pupil Feedback

Since returning year heads have been gathering the views of our young people concerning the changes that are now in place. The feedback is helpful and we are keen to hear how we can help further. The following was raised with both positive and negative comments at times, but with each the reason behind the change hopefully helping everyone to understand the need.

• One way system: very mixed reviews. This is important to help the flow and prevent bottlenecks when pupils are moving between classes. It also minimises any face to face contact. It can appear very rigid at times, however, keeping it simple and consistent is helping everyone embed the habit.
• Hand sanitisers: pupils commented on the positive fact of the availability, but a few dislike the smell from the alcohol based product. Pupils can bring their own to use throughout the day.
• Face masks: Some pupils commented that not everyone was wearing a face mask. Although this has been made mandatory in shops etc this is not the case for schools and it is at the discretion of each individual. All classes have been arranged to face forward and pupils commented very positively on the steps taken for their well-being.
• Separate Entrances: All pupils asked reported this was a positive change. The overwhelming feeling is it allows a much more structured start to the day and feels less busy getting to class.
• No bells for change of period: This is viewed as a positive change with pupils reporting it feels much calmer and reduced crowding in the corridors.
• Separate Lunch Areas for year groups: Very positive response with seniors requesting more tables if possible.
• Lockers: Would like access to lockers to help with equipment. We hope to have permission to start using our lockers again on a limited basis.

Letter from Chief Education Officer

thanks

Below is an article sent to the Alloa Advertiser. We are extremely grateful for the work, effort and generosity of everyone who has contributed and especially to our Parent Council Chair Helen McNaught for coordinating over the summer break.

Lornshill Academy Parent Council is reaching out to say a massive thank you to local businesses, groups and individuals who have supported their Back to School Stationery Appeal to ensure all pupils have access to their own stationery. New infection control measures put in place to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission required the school to do away with shared stationery resources and for all pupils to have access to their own stationery. Following a request for help from the Head Teacher Mr Black the Parent Council reached out to the local community seeking stationery donations and have been ‘blown away’ by the fantastic response to their appeal. Donations have been received from : Alloa Round Table and Clackmannan Community Council, who both funded the purchase of 500 stationery packs Asda Alloa provided stationery for 100 senior phase stationery packs Morrison’s Alloa donated £100 of vouchers Poundland Alloa customers donated over 100 stationery items The CFSLA donated £400-worth of scientific calculators YPO, the school’s stationery supplier provided additional stationery resources for the school. Helen McNaught, Parent Council Chair said "We are amazed by the incredible support for our young people returning to school and want to thank everyone who has contributed to our stationery appeal. This year is extra challenging and these donations will make a significant difference to our young people as it means everyone who needs it, will have access to their own stationery. The generosity of the local community has also enabled the Parent Council to do its bit to help prevent the spread of Covid-19."